Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Days

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a spectacular road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure as you wind through terraced hillsides, cross roaring rivers, and pass traditional villages against a backdrop of Himalayan foothills. Arriving in Pokhara -Nepal's lakeside jewel, check into your hotel and immediately feel the city's laid-back charm, then spend your golden evening wandering along the mirror-like Phewa Lake, browsing colorful markets, or sipping local coffee with jaw-dropping Annapurna views, the perfect prelude to a restful night in Pokhara before your Himalayan adventures truly begin.

• Scenic drive through Trishuli River valley

• Stop at traditional villages and viewpoints

• Arrive in Pokhara - Nepal's adventure capital

• Evening lakeside stroll at Phewa Lake

• Overnight in Pokhara

Travel Tip: The left side of the bus offers better mountain views

After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, you’ll go with a private vehicle to Kande, the starting point of your Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. Accompanied by your guide, begin with an uphill climb through lush rhododendron forests toward Australian Camp, where panoramic mountain views unfold. Continuing onward, you’ll trek through charming villages of the Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung communities, eventually reaching Pitam Deurali (2142m), a spectacular viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Range. Check into your teahouse, unwind, and soak in the serene Himalayan atmosphere as you acclimatize for the adventures ahead. Spend the night here, surrounded by crisp mountain air and starry skies. 

• 1-hour drive to trek starting point

• Steep climb through rhododendron forests

• Lunch at Australian Camp with Annapurna views

• Continue to Pitam Deurali viewpoint

• Overnight in teahouse lodge

Trekking Stats: 5km distance, +600m elevation gain

After breakfast at your hotel, you will take a private vehicle to Kande, where your Mardi Base Camp trek begins. With your guide, you will hike up from Kande to Australian Camp, then continue to Pothana through a rhododendron forest, and finally reach Pitam Deurali. Along the way, you'll see amazing views of the Annapurna mountains and pass through villages of Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung people. Pitam Deurali offers the best spot to see Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna range. Check into your lodge, rest, and get used to the altitude before your next day's trek. Spend the night here.

As you continue from Pitam Deurali on the Mardi Himal trek, go slowly and carefully because the trail goes higher little by little. You'll see more beautiful green scenery as you climb. The path takes you through forests with rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock trees. You might spot animals like leopards, deer, monkeys, and many kinds of birds. The trail goes steeply in some places with views of Annapurna South and Hiuchuli peaks as you walk through the thick forest. After passing Forest Camp (Kokar) and Rest Camp, you'll reach Low Camp (3050m), where you'll enjoy an incredible view of Fishtail Mountain.

• Gradual ascent through changing vegetation

• Possible wildlife sightings (langur monkeys, pheasants)

• Stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

• Arrive at Low Camp - first high-altitude stop

• Overnight in mountain lodge

Acclimatization Note: Drink 3-4L water to prevent altitude sickness

The Mardi Himal Trek will start from Low Camp and go through Badal Danda to High Camp (3600m). First, you will walk uphill for one hour through a rhododendron forest to reach Badal Danda. The paths are tough, but you will get amazing views of Mardi Himal, the Annapurna Range, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). As you climb higher, the ridge becomes narrower, and you can see the big valleys on both sides. On your left, you will see the Modi Khola river valley with villages leading up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. On your right, you can see the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys. If the weather is clear, you might even spot Pokhara Valley in the distance. To reach High Camp, you must keep walking along the ridgeline. If you are lucky, you may see Daphne, the national bird of Nepal, during your hike to High Camp.

• Challenging climb along narrow ridges

• 360° views of Annapurna range

• Pass through Badal Danda ("Cloud Hill")

• Arrive at High Camp - base for tomorrow's summit

• Early dinner and rest

Photography Tip: Sunset colors on the peaks are spectacular

Today you will wake up early to see the sunrise over the mountains. This will be the most challenging but memorable part of your entire Mardi Himal Trek. The path to Mardi Base Camp is tougher than you might expect, with many steep, uneven steps that require quick climbs.

The hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) takes about 5 hours. Walking through high green mountains to reach this altitude will make you feel incredibly proud. At the top, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks—Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Gangapurna (7,455m).

After taking in these unforgettable sights, you’ll descend to Badal Danda (3250m), where clouds float around you, making the experience even more magical.

• Pre-dawn start for sunrise views

• Steep climb to base camp (4-5 hours up)

• Celebration at Mardi Himal viewpoint

• Breathtaking panorama of Annapurna massif

• Descend to Badal Danda for overnight

Summit Reward: Unforgettable views worth every step

After enjoying beautiful moments at Badal Danda, taking photos, admiring the Himalayan views, and spotting rare plants and animals, it’s time to head down to Siding village (1700m). Instead of going back to Forest Camp, this different route takes you straight to Siding. You’ll stop here for lunch before catching a shared jeep to Pokhara. Once back, you’ll have the whole evening free, maybe take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or stroll around the peaceful lakeside area.

• Gentle descent through terraced fields

• Experience village life in Siding

• Shared jeep ride back to Pokhara

• Free evening to relax by the lake

• Overnight in Pokhara

You’ll wake up early and head to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. From here, you can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu, as well as a sweeping view of Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake. On your way back to the hotel, you’ll visit Bindabasini Temple, Pokhara’s oldest sacred site.

After breakfast, you’ll board a deluxe tourist bus to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. The 205-kilometer journey takes 7–8 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, enjoy scenic landscapes and pass through lively towns like Damauli, Dumre, and Mugling.

In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with a farewell dinner. Enjoy live Nepali music and a delicious traditional meal. You can also pick up souvenirs or take photos to remember your incredible adventure.

• Optional sunrise at Sarangkot viewpoint

• Visit Bindabasini Temple

• Scenic bus ride back to Kathmandu

• Farewell dinner with cultural show

• Overnight in Kathmandu

Shopping Tip: Thamel is best for last-minute souvenirs

After an unforgettable adventure, your journey concludes today. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight.

• Airport transfer based on flight time

• End of services

Your adventure starts as you land at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you'll be transferred to your hotel to settle in and relax after your journey. Take some time to unwind and recharge or, if you arrive early, step out to explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, rich culture, and bustling markets. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in the city, preparing for the incredible experiences ahead.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a spectacular road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure as you wind through terraced hillsides, cross roaring rivers, and pass traditional villages against a backdrop of Himalayan foothills. Arriving in Pokhara -Nepal's lakeside jewel, check into your hotel and immediately feel the city's laid-back charm, then spend your golden evening wandering along the mirror-like Phewa Lake, browsing colorful markets, or sipping local coffee with jaw-dropping Annapurna views, the perfect prelude to a restful night in Pokhara before your Himalayan adventures truly begin.

After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, you’ll go with a private vehicle to Kande, the starting point of your Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. Accompanied by your guide, begin with an uphill climb through lush rhododendron forests toward Australian Camp, where panoramic mountain views unfold. Continuing onward, you’ll trek through charming villages of the Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung communities, eventually reaching Pitam Deurali (2142m), a spectacular viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Range. Check into your teahouse, unwind, and soak in the serene Himalayan atmosphere as you acclimatize for the adventures ahead. Spend the night here, surrounded by crisp mountain air and starry skies. 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will take a private vehicle to Kande, where your Mardi Base Camp trek begins. With your guide, you will hike up from Kande to Australian Camp, then continue to Pothana through a rhododendron forest, and finally reach Pitam Deurali. Along the way, you'll see amazing views of the Annapurna mountains and pass through villages of Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung people. Pitam Deurali offers the best spot to see Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna range. Check into your lodge, rest, and get used to the altitude before your next day's trek. Spend the night here.

As you continue from Pitam Deurali on the Mardi Himal trek, go slowly and carefully because the trail goes higher little by little. You'll see more beautiful green scenery as you climb. The path takes you through forests with rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock trees. You might spot animals like leopards, deer, monkeys, and many kinds of birds. The trail goes steeply in some places with views of Annapurna South and Hiuchuli peaks as you walk through the thick forest. After passing Forest Camp (Kokar) and Rest Camp, you'll reach Low Camp (3050m), where you'll enjoy an incredible view of Fishtail Mountain.

The Mardi Himal Trek will start from Low Camp and go through Badal Danda to High Camp (3600m). First, you will walk uphill for one hour through a rhododendron forest to reach Badal Danda. The paths are tough, but you will get amazing views of Mardi Himal, the Annapurna Range, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). As you climb higher, the ridge becomes narrower, and you can see the big valleys on both sides. On your left, you will see the Modi Khola river valley with villages leading up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. On your right, you can see the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys. If the weather is clear, you might even spot Pokhara Valley in the distance. To reach High Camp, you must keep walking along the ridgeline. If you are lucky, you may see Daphne, the national bird of Nepal, during your hike to High Camp.

Today you will wake up early to see the sunrise over the mountains. This will be the most challenging but memorable part of your entire Mardi Himal Trek. The path to Mardi Base Camp is tougher than you might expect, with many steep, uneven steps that require quick climbs.

The hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) takes about 5 hours. Walking through high green mountains to reach this altitude will make you feel incredibly proud. At the top, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks—Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Gangapurna (7,455m).

After taking in these unforgettable sights, you’ll descend to Badal Danda (3250m), where clouds float around you, making the experience even more magical.

After enjoying beautiful moments at Badal Danda, taking photos, admiring the Himalayan views, and spotting rare plants and animals, it’s time to head down to Siding village (1700m). Instead of going back to Forest Camp, this different route takes you straight to Siding. You’ll stop here for lunch before catching a shared jeep to Pokhara. Once back, you’ll have the whole evening free, maybe take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or stroll around the peaceful lakeside area.

You’ll wake up early and head to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. From here, you can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu, as well as a sweeping view of Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake. On your way back to the hotel, you’ll visit Bindabasini Temple, Pokhara’s oldest sacred site.

After breakfast, you’ll board a deluxe tourist bus to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. The 205-kilometer journey takes 7–8 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, enjoy scenic landscapes and pass through lively towns like Damauli, Dumre, and Mugling.

In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with a farewell dinner. Enjoy live Nepali music and a delicious traditional meal. You can also pick up souvenirs or take photos to remember your incredible adventure.

After an unforgettable adventure, your journey concludes today. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight.